Chapter 1084

In moments like these, a woman was at her most vulnerable. Losing Joe could send Skylar spiraling into self-destruction. Claudio’s unexpected call offered a choice that could alter her course—a warm ray of hope in the cold.

“If you’re with me, I promise I’ll treat you better than Joe ever did. You won’t suffer anymore,” Claudio confidently declared.

“You’re insane,” Skylar retorted, hanging up and swiftly blocking his number. It became clear that not all Martins possessed Joe's intelligence; many, like Claudio, lacked common sense. After blocking him, she pressed the elevator button. Enraged by her insult, Claudio repeatedly called, only to find himself blocked. His teeth clenched. “Such a bad temper? No wonder Joe abandoned you. You’ll be begging me soon enough.”

He investigated and discovered Skylar’s dismissal from Alexander’s team. Without Joe’s backing, she would soon be crawling to him, he believed. He was determined to possess her.

Skylar dismissed Claudio’s calls, giving them little thought. At home, she found Joe emerging from his study, casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. He looked comfortable, yet she wondered why he hadn’t changed into loungewear. Before she could ask, he said, “There’s a situation with Rowan. I need to check on him. I’ll be late tonight, so don’t wait up.”

“Rowan?” Skylar echoed softly. Rowan and Jenny had seemed happy together. She recalled Minerva mentioning Rowan's trip to the Reid Residence to discuss breaking off his engagement. With the matter resolved, Minerva was relieved of pressure, as was her family. Rowan was clearly serious about Jenny.

“His parents sent him videos and photos of Jenny and Edwin together.” Joe's expression remained indifferent, though Skylar saw his underlying worry.

Scattered, some shattered, bottles of alcohol littered the living room floor, mirroring the chaos of the moment. The door stood ajar. Joe pushed it open, the mess immediately apparent. He frowned, then saw Rowan slumped on the couch, clutching a bottle and drinking heavily.

Spotting Joe, Rowan laughed self-deprecatingly. “Did you know about this all along? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Some things you need to experience for yourself,” Joe replied calmly.

Rowan paused, then chuckled bitterly. “So, it was my parents who told you not to say anything, wasn’t it?”

“Do you know what Jenny said to me? She claimed your father coerced her. She painted herself as the victim, saying she felt guilty every day. Then she asked me why I cared, pointing out that I’d been with other women too. I was speechless. I had no idea she could be so articulate.”

Chapter 1085